Justin Canty joined The Nat in April 2020 as Vice President of Education and Engagement, where he provides leadership and creative vision for the development and delivery of education, public programs, exhibitions, citizen science, volunteer programs, and community partnerships.
Justin has background as a naturalist, environmental educator and certified wilderness first responder. Originally from the high sierra town of Graeagle, California, he grew up with a deep appreciation for the natural world and has spent his career inspiring this love for nature in others.
He most recently served as director of education for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, and previously held the roles of community education manager and nature education manager. He oversaw a variety of educational departments, developed and evaluated nature-based play and learning exhibits, and served on the leadership committee for the museum’s centennial exhibit renovation.
His previous experience includes roles as youth programs coordinator and TASC assistant manager at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, director of education for The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, and a naturalist, environmental educator, and raptor caretaker for both Rancho Alegre and Foothill Horizons Outdoor School.
Justin graduated of the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Analytical Philosophy.